Child problem behaviours are associated with obesity in parents caring for children with developmental disabilities

Abstract

Epidemiological evidence suggests that obesity and depression are highly co-morbid. In a national cohort study, we examined whether parents caring for children with disabilities were more likely to be classified as obese compared to parents of children without disabilities and if obesity was associated with depressive symptoms or child behaviour characteristics. Using data from the Growing Up in Ireland National Longitudinal Study of Children (2006 to date), 627 parents of children with developmental disabilities were compared with 7,941 parents of typically developing children on objectively measured levels of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 ), depression, health behaviors, chronic health conditions, socio-demographic and child behavioural characteristics. Parents of children with disabilities were more likely to be classified as obese compared to control parents (24.5% vs. 19.6%, p=0.005, Cramer's V < 0.1). Depression was not associated with obesity. However, the odds of obesity increased with increasing child problem behaviour (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.06). Over half (57%) of obese parents caring for children with disabilities reported trying to lose weight often or very often. This study has confirmed, in a population-based sample, the high risk of obesity in parents caring for children with disabilities after adjusting for the presence of depression and other health behaviours; increasing child problem behaviours were predictive of obesity.Importantly, given the negative health correlates of obesity, it is imperative that health professionals pay attention to weight issues in these parents and support their efforts in managing these issues.

Mental health care needs and preferences for mothers of children with a disability

“…Parents caring for children with a disability are at greater risk of poorer physical and psychological health than parents of children without disabilities (Dillon‐Wallace, McDonagh, & Fordham, ; Gallagher & Whiteley, ; Singer, ) and experience higher rates of chronic stress, fatigue, chronic back pain and obesity, depression, and chronic sleep problems (Bourke‐Taylor, Howie, Law, & Pallant, ; Brehaut et al, ; Gallagher & Hannigan, ; Raina et al, ). Although there is an established body of research demonstrating that parents (particularly mothers) of children with a disability experience high rates of poor mental health, there is limited research on their anxiety, suicidality, and mental health service use and preferences.…”

The association between maternal perceptions of own weight status and weight status of her child: results from a national cohort study

“…This data was collected as part of a nationally representative cohort study of children in the Republic of Ireland (the Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) study). A two-stage sampling methodology was conducted for the GUI study, and has previously been described 23. Briefly, a probability proportionate to size sampling method was used to select 1105 of the national total of 3177 primary schools in Ireland.…”

Evaluation of care burden among mothers of children with a disability: Correlation between physical activity, quality of life, and sleep quality; a cross‐sectional study

“…Mothers who are responsible for the care of their disabled children and thus have the care burden experience and impairment in health status due to increased chronic stress, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, chronic fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chronic back pain, difficulty in concentration, chronic sleep problems, and lack of time for self‐care 1,6‐9 . These experienced problems and difficulties make it difficult to meet the needs of disabled children, limit physical activities, and negatively affect the quality of life and sleep quality of mothers 6‐9 . These allow children to gain self‐confidence, maintain a healthy development, and be reintroduced to society.…”

“…Families should be strengthened to enable mothers with disabled children to better cope with this situation. The fact that family members feel good both physically and psychologically is an important factor that increases the quality of life 6,7 . Mother and her disabled child can diverge to different activities, her care burden can be reduced and they can drift away from the problems they experience both within the family and the society; thus the quality of life, sleep quality, and many physical and psychological factors can be improved.…”

“…1,[6][7][8][9] These experienced problems and difficulties make it difficult to meet the needs of disabled children, limit physical activities, and negatively affect the quality of life and sleep quality of mothers. [6][7][8][9] These allow children to gain self-confidence, maintain a healthy development, and be reintroduced to society. Improving health-related quality of life and sleep quality in mothers will increase functional independence level and quality of life by ensuring better child care.…”